A Drink

"Dunno," Cloud said, scratching his back. "Exotic, maybe?"

"Exotic it is," Tifa said, clapping her hands together. "On that happy note, let's head back to the bar. C'mon!"

"You don't need a break?" Cloud asked.

"Honestly, I feel pretty good," Tifa said, flashing that brilliant smile of hers. The two walked out, back towards the bar. She saw the old woman, Marle, sweeping her porch. "Hey Marle, we're gonna head off to the bar."

"Take care you two. You're looking pretty chipper, Tifa," Marle said, looking at Cloud.

"Uhh...I don't feel different," Tifa said.

"Must be my imagination then," Marle responded. When Tifa looked away, she spread her index finger and middle finger and licked between them, smirking at Cloud. Cloud flushed, looking away.

***

When they entered the bar, Barret looked preoccupied, watching Marle playing darts with Jessie.

"Hey," he said when he saw Tifa. "We need to meet downstairs.

"Uh, now?" Tifa asked, looking disappointed. "Then the plan is ...?"

"It is," Barret said.

"Looks like we're officially on for tomorrow night then," Tifa said. Despite her almost sad tone, Cloud could see the tell-town signs that she'd shown around Johnny. Her pupils were dilated, her breath was heavier, it was almost an instinctive reaction. Cloud shook his head. There wasn't time for this.

"About my pay," he started with Barret.

"You'll get your damn money," Barret growled. So sit down and shut up until we're finished. Double time, Tifa."

"I'm really sorry," she said. "But it shouldn't take much longer. Int the meantime, grab a seat."

Cloud sat down at the bar. Even for the plate, this place would have felt homey. It was a little run down, but Tifa had made the best of it. She leaned over, showing her ample bosom.

"What'll it be?"

"I dunno," Cloud said, thinking. "Hard ... bitter."

She poured him a whiskey cocktail. Cloud sipped it, not responding.

"Well?" Tifa asked, expectantly. "Most people would say something sweet right about now." Cloud thought about that. If he came on to hard, he might scare away his prey.

"I'm sure they would," he said, looking noncommital.

"Ahh, but you're a more discerning customer, aren't you? In which case ... our house special, the Cosmo Canyon." It was a series of transparent liquors, all mixed together, followed by a single droplet of a red, fruity concentrate that turned the entire drink the color of a sunset at Cosmo Canyon. Cloud whistled low.

"Beautiful," he said softly, not only referring to the drink.

"I gotta go," Tifa said with a knowing smile. "Enjoy."